A Case for Not Going BacK!
The Boat Anchor Conundrum! I must admit that a I own a few Boat Anchors --like maybe more than I should; but they include names like Collins, Drake, Ten Tec, SBE, National, heathkit, WRL and even a hallicrafters FPM 300 (reincarnated). When I first started in ham radio, several of those names dominated the ham market. They are no more save for Ten Tec that is still operating; but with a cloudy future. These radios graced the pages of QST, CQ, 73, Ham Radio and even Popular Electronics. They were the mainstay of many OT's and on the want list of those of us just beginning the sojourn in the 1950's. Some of the boat anchor's today can be had for pennies. Two eBay auctions this week for National NCX-3's ended with a price of $26 and $36.50 respectively. A year ago I bought an NCX3 with a power supply for $69. With the exception of the one heathkit I have, they all work and are on the air. But you know what --- they are worth the amount for which they are